The Quran—The Miracle Given to the Prophet

came into existence. Learning Arabic grammar, syntax and etymology, Islamic theology and traditions, and Quranic studies were all aimed at helping us understand the Quran’s message. Even the subjects of history and geography were initially taken up as part of the Arabs’ attempt to understand and practice the teachings of the Quran. There is no other example in the history of any book with such an enormous impact on people and their language. The Quran became known as a superb literary masterpiece through its development and improvement of the Arabic language. Anyone who knows Arabic can see the unique quality of the Quran’s style compared to any other work of Arabic literature. The Quran is written in a divine style different from anything humans can aspire to. We will close this chapter by relating a story that portrays the difference between God’s work and men’s. It is taken from Sheikh Tantawi’s commentary of the Quran: “On 13 June 1932,” Tantawi writes, “I met an Egyptian writer, Kamel Keilany, who told me an amazing story. One day he was with an American orientalist, Finkle, with whom he enjoyed a deep intellectual relationship. “Tell me, are you still among those who consider the Quran a miracle?” whispered Finkle in Keilany’s ear, adding a laugh to indicate his ridicule of such belief. He thought that Muslims could only hold this belief in blind faith. It could not be based on any sound, objective reasoning. Thinking that his blow had gone home,